Another series of CDA-NCREO Hand-Holding Caravan (HH Caravan) unfolded in its ONE-STOP-SHOP initiative on March 21, 2024, at the Ruby Hall of Max’s Restaurant in Sucat, Paranaque City. Jointly conducted by the Cooperative Development Authority-National Capital Region Extension Office (CDA-NCREO) headed by Regional Director Pedro T. Defensor, Jr. and the Local Government of Paranaque through the Honorable City Mayor Eric D. Olivarez and the Cooperative Development Office headed by Ms. Josephine N. Salomon. The caravan was designed to streamline regulatory compliance processes and assist cooperatives in securing a Certificate of Compliance (COC).

Technical Staff from CDA-NCREO, the ACDI, chaired by Major Gen. Gilbert S. Llanto AFP (Ret), and its Team of Accountants and Internal Auditors, the Certified External Auditor (CEA) Mr. Marion Gile were present to offer assistance and facilitate the process where cooperatives are given a unique opportunity to address regulatory requirements efficiently and effectively in one setting.

It was a successful hand-holding activity, with thirty-five (35) cooperatives participating in the HH Caravan. Of these, twenty (20) cooperatives in Paranaque and four (4) other cooperatives from Manila, Las Pinas & Taguig were able to complete the process and secure their COC on the same day. This is a demonstration of the effectiveness of the initiative and the quality of support provided.

The HH Caravan illustrates the efforts of government agencies and local governments working together to support the cooperative sector. The success of this event not only benefits the cooperatives directly involved, but also sends a positive message to the wider community about the value of cooperatives and the importance of regulatory compliance.